Should I Remove Plants Under Evergreen Trees?

Whether to remove plants growing under evergreen trees is a question many gardeners ask themselves. While it may seem like a good idea to keep the space under evergreen trees free of vegetation to make it easier to clean up, there are a few things to consider before taking any action.

The Benefits of Maintaining Plants Under Evergreen Trees

Firstly, keeping plants under evergreen trees can help to improve the aesthetics of your garden. The lush greenery of the trees creates a perfect backdrop for smaller flowering plants to shine. The contrast of the colors can create a beautiful visual appeal.

Secondly, plants under evergreen trees can help to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. The roots of these plants help to keep the soil in place and prevent it from being washed away by heavy rainfall. In addition, the roots of the trees themselves hold onto the soil and help to keep it from shifting.

Thirdly, plants growing under evergreen trees can provide beneficial habitat for wildlife. Many birds and small animals rely on the cover provided by the plants for shelter and protection. Removing the plants can take away this important habitat and disrupt the balance of your garden ecosystem.

Considerations for Removing Plants Under Evergreen Trees

While maintaining plants under evergreen trees can be beneficial, there are some cases where removing them is necessary. If the plants growing under the trees are invasive or compete with the trees for nutrients and water, they should be removed. This is especially true if the plants are causing damage to the roots of the trees.

Additionally, if you're experiencing problems with pests or disease in the plants growing under the trees, removing them may be necessary to prevent further issues. It's important to be careful when removing the plants to avoid damaging the root systems of the trees.

Tips for Maintaining Plants Under Evergreen Trees

If you're planning to maintain plants under evergreen trees, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, choose plants that are shade tolerant and won't compete with the trees for nutrients and water. Plants such as hostas, ferns, and bleeding hearts are great choices.

Secondly, it's important to select plants that have shallow root systems to avoid damaging the trees' roots when planting. Try to avoid using heavy equipment when planting or maintaining the plants under the trees.

Finally, it's important to provide adequate moisture to the plants growing under evergreen trees, especially during dry periods. Watering them deeply once or twice a week should be sufficient.

Conclusion

When it comes to deciding whether to remove plants growing under evergreen trees, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. It's important to consider the benefits of maintaining the plants for the visual appeal, soil stabilization, and wildlife habitat, as well as the potential negative impacts they may have on the trees. Following these guidelines can help you make an informed decision about how to maintain plants under evergreen trees in your garden.